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By
Emily Nordberg
- March 13, 2025
Carjacking
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Daily Stories
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Suspects
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An armed carjacking defendant rejected the prosecution’s plea offer, choosing to proceed to trial in front of DC Superior Court Judge Errol Arthur on March 12.
Raysean Brown, 28, is charged with armed carjacking and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in a carjacking and shooting on the 5200 block of Georgia Avenue, NW, on May 23, 2024. No injuries were reported.
The prosecution extended a plea offer, which would require Brown to plead guilty to unarmed carjacking and assault with a dangerous weapon in exchange for a concurrent sentencing and the prosecution not seeking an indictment.
Brown’s defense attorney, Joseph McCoy, rejected the prosecution’s plea offer and set a trial date.
Prosecutors said by rejecting the plea, Brown would forgo the option of an unarmed carjacking charge , which carries a minimum sentence of seven years rather than the 15 year mandatory minimum for the current armed carjacking charge. They also reiterated the seriousness of the case, emphasizing that multiple victims were involved.
The prosecution said there are multiple eyewitnesses identifying Brown and that Brown allegedly held a gun to the carjacking victim’s head while threatening to kill him. They also noted that bodyworn camera footage from officers allegedly captures Brown driving the stolen vehicle a day later and fleeing from police.
McCoy noted that he was only aware of the single complainant currently listed and had not been aware of additional charges being added. He requested more time to discuss the potential charges and their implications with Brown.
The prosecution did not object to leaving the plea open for now but warned that it would void after an indictment.
McCoy advised Brown that the indictment could wind up increasing the penalties. Still, he chose to reject the plea offer and proceed to trial.
Parties are slated to reconvene April 22.